2 hrs ago
NHRC Seeks Telangana Police Report on Harish Rao Allegations
T. Harish Rao was publicly accused of using black magic to affect rain and drought.
His side says these accusations were made by powerful political figures without proof.
A complaint was submitted because police allegedly did not register an FIR after earlier complaints.
The complaint was filed with the National Human Rights Commission.
The Commission has asked Telangana’s police chief to explain what action was taken.
The police must send its report within four weeks.
The complaint says such statements could spread superstition.
It also warns that these ideas could put some vulnerable people at risk of attacks.
The National Human Rights Commission directed the Telangana Director General of Police to submit an Action Taken Report within four weeks.
The complaint concerns public allegations that BRS leader and Siddipet MLA T. Harish Rao performed occult rituals to stop rainfall and cause drought.
The complaint says allegations were made repeatedly by people holding high public offices, including the Chief Minister and a Government Whip.
Complaints were reportedly submitted to Osmania University and Vanasthalipuram police stations on August 4, followed by a representation to the DGP’s office on August 17, without an FIR or explanation.
The complainant said the claims lacked publicly released supporting evidence and could promote superstition or encourage attacks against vulnerable groups.
- Who
- T. Harish Rao, a BRS leader, Siddipet MLA and former minister; the complainant was Telangana High Court advocate and social activist Karupothula Revanth.
- What
- The National Human Rights Commission directed the Telangana DGP to submit an Action Taken Report concerning allegations of black magic and the alleged failure to register an FIR.
- Where
- The matter concerns Telangana, with complaints submitted at the Osmania University and Vanasthalipuram police stations and a representation made at the DGP’s office.
- When
- The complaint was filed on August 22, 2026, and the NHRC direction was issued on September 9, 2026; earlier police complaints were submitted on August 4 and a DGP representation on August 17.
- Why
- The complaint alleged that public accusations against Harish Rao were unsupported, that police did not register an FIR, and that the statements could promote superstition and endanger vulnerable groups.
Complaint’s Position
Reported Allegations
Whether the accusations had evidence
Complaint’s Position
The complaint says no temple records, priest statements, receipts or other supporting evidence had been made public, describing the allegations as unsubstantiated.
Reported Allegations
Public figures reportedly alleged that Harish Rao performed tantric or occult rituals at temples to stop rainfall and cause drought.
Police response
Complaint’s Position
The complainant says police received complaints but did not register an FIR or communicate reasons for not doing so.
Reported Allegations
The articles do not provide a response from the police or the people who made the allegations; the NHRC has requested the DGP’s report.
Possible public impact
Complaint’s Position
The complaint says linking drought or rainfall to occult practices could promote superstition and encourage attacks on women, widows, elderly people and SC/ST communities.
Reported Allegations
No separate justification or public response to these concerns was reported from the figures who allegedly made the accusations.
Key facts
- NHRC action
- Directed the Telangana DGP to submit an Action Taken Report in English within four weeks.
- Complaint date
- August 22, 2026.
- NHRC direction date
- September 9, 2026.
- Earlier police complaints
- Submitted at Osmania University and Vanasthalipuram police stations on August 4, 2026.
- DGP representation
- Submitted on August 17, 2026.
- Legal provision cited
- Section 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- Court precedent cited
- The complaint referred to Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh, (2014) 2 SCC 1.
Quotes
Karupothula Revanth
Telangana High Court advocate and social activist who filed the NHRC complaint
“If an ordinary citizen makes such allegations, a case would be registered immediately. But when people in positions of power make such statements, no action is taken. That is the reason this complaint was filed.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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